Lori Ann Senart

life story

Beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend

Lori Ann Senart of Vadnais Heights, MN, passed away June 28, 2026. She was preceded in death by her parents Michael P Senart and Mildred M Reis, brothers Richard Senart and Kenneth Senart and nephew Greg Senart. Survived by children Chad (Ann) Senart and Joshua Senart; grandson Noah Senart; brother Gerald Senart, sister-in-law Marilyn Senart, along nephews and nieces Michael (Annalee) Senart, Trisha Senart, Ashley (Stephen) Haslach, Jesse Senart, Ryan Senart and James Bogdanowicz, great nephew and great nieces Charlie, Emily, Aliseah, Amelia and Kendall Haslach along with many other relatives and friends.

In loving memory of Lori Ann Senart

Lori was born on May 31, 1961, to Michael (Celestine) and Mildred Senart at Bethesda Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota.

She was the third of four children and the family’s only daughter. Lori grew up in Vadnais Heights alongside her brothers, Richard, Gerald, and Kenny, and together they attended St. Mary’s of the Lake Catholic Church.

Her brother Gerald remembered how much Lori looked forward to their family’s annual three-week vacations and how proud she was of her Chevy Monte Carlo, which she always kept looking its best.

Her cousin, Arline Sauer, fondly recalled Lori’s visits to the Senart family farm near Holdingford. She loved picking gooseberries and “just hanging out in the camper.” Arline said, “Lori was always so happy, and I was the lucky one she chose to spend time with.”

Lori graduated from White Bear Lake Mariner High School on June 5, 1979. Her lifelong friend, Mary Jo Johnson, remembers the wonderful times they shared growing up together. One of her favorite memories was spending hours listening to Pink Floyd’s Animals album over and over again.

While working at Judy’s in White Bear Lake, Lori met Terry Owen. They fell in love, and in March of 1980 they welcomed their son, Chad. The family lived at the Owen family farm in Hugo until Chad was about two years old.

In 1982, Lori began a relationship with John Black, and together they built a home during Chad’s early childhood. In February 1988, Lori welcomed her second son, Joshua.

Being a mother was one of Lori’s greatest joys. She lovingly referred to Chad and Joshua as “her boys,” and their portraits proudly lined the stairway of the family home on Bush Street in St. Paul. While she occasionally worked as a maid and nanny, her heart was always centered on caring for her family.

Lori loved bringing people together. She enjoyed hosting parties, watching movies, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends. Holidays were especially meaningful to her, and she delighted in decorating the house—especially for Halloween, when the Crypt Keeper proudly greeted visitors from her front porch.

She shared a close friendship with her neighbor, Nancy DiGiulio. Lori, Josh, and Nancy spent many enjoyable evenings together watching professional wrestling.

Anyone who knew Lori knew she took great pride in her home. She kept it spotless, stayed on top of every household chore, and always made sure there was a warm dinner waiting for her family.

In November 2022, Lori experienced one of life’s greatest blessings when she became a grandmother to Noah Senart. She met Noah on New Year’s Day 2023 and treasured every opportunity to hold him, rock him, and feed him.

In early 2023, after a brief stay at Mercy Hospital, Lori entered hospice care and moved to the Care4Life Home in Burnsville, where she could be close to Chad and Ann. The staff there cared for Lori with extraordinary love and compassion, embracing her as one of their own.

Her nurse, Nasra, shared these heartfelt words:

“Lori’s passing has left a big void in my heart. I’ve been a nurse for 22 years, and although I’ve cared for many people who have passed away, Lori truly became family to me. I want you to know how much Lori loved her two sons and Noah. Whenever she was refusing care or feeling upset, her mood would brighten as soon as we showed her pictures of them or mentioned their names. We all loved Lori so much. Your family was such a blessing to us, and we are grateful for all the support you gave us over the years. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

One especially meaningful visit came in February, when her brother Gerald played Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” Nasra recorded the moment and later played the video whenever Lori was feeling discouraged, bringing comfort and a smile to her face.

Lori cherished every visit from her family, especially the time she spent with her grandson, Noah. She never missed an opportunity to tell those she loved, “I love you.” Her room was filled with Noah’s preschool artwork, along with balloons, flowers, and a matching teddy bear he gave her.

While she was still able, Lori attended church with our family at River Valley Church. Later, when traveling became difficult, we continued worshiping together by watching the services with her from the comfort of her living room.

On June 28, 2026, Lori was called home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Although we grieve her absence, we rejoice in the promise that she has been made whole, restored with a new heavenly body, and welcomed into the presence of the One she now sees face to face.

Lori will be remembered for her love of family, her generous heart, her warm hospitality, and the deep love she had for her children and grandson. Though we will miss her dearly, her love remains with us, and her memory will continue to live on in all who knew and loved her.

memorial service

Graveside Service

July 22, 2026

Lakeside Cemetery 920 Nininger Rd, Hastings, MN 55033, USA

Officiated by pastor Dan Olson

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services